Judges 15:14

When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands.

Study Bible

As Samson approached Lehi
The name "Lehi" in Hebrew means "jawbone," which is significant given the events that unfold in this chapter. This location becomes a pivotal place in Samson's story, symbolizing both conflict and divine deliverance. Historically, Lehi is situated in the territory of Judah, a region often caught between the Philistine and Israelite tensions. Samson's approach to Lehi signifies his movement towards a divinely orchestrated confrontation, highlighting the theme of God using flawed individuals to achieve His purposes.

the Philistines came toward him shouting
The Philistines, a seafaring people known for their advanced military technology, were a constant threat to Israel during the time of the Judges. Their shouting as they approach Samson is indicative of their confidence and aggression. This moment captures the tension between the oppressors and the deliverer, setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration of God's power. The Philistines' shout can be seen as a challenge not just to Samson, but to the God of Israel whom he represents.

The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him
This phrase is central to understanding Samson's feats. The Hebrew word for "Spirit" is "Ruach," which can mean breath, wind, or spirit, indicating a divine empowerment that goes beyond human capability. The Spirit of the LORD coming upon Samson is a recurring theme in his narrative, signifying that his strength is not his own but is granted by God for specific purposes. This divine empowerment underscores the biblical truth that God equips those He calls, often in unexpected and miraculous ways.

and the ropes on his arms became like charred flax
The imagery of ropes becoming "like charred flax" suggests a miraculous weakening of what binds Samson. Flax, when burned, becomes fragile and easily broken, symbolizing the futility of human constraints against divine intervention. This transformation of the ropes highlights the theme of liberation and deliverance, as God breaks the bonds of oppression. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual freedom that God offers, breaking the chains of sin and bondage.

and the bindings dropped from his hands
The dropping of the bindings signifies complete liberation and the removal of obstacles that hinder God's purposes. In a broader spiritual context, this can be seen as a representation of how God removes the barriers in our lives that prevent us from fulfilling His will. The ease with which the bindings fall away emphasizes the power of God to deliver and the futility of human efforts to thwart His plans. This moment foreshadows the ultimate deliverance found in Christ, who frees us from the bondage of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his strength was linked to his uncut hair.

2. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel. They oppressed the Israelites during the time of the judges and were often in conflict with them.

3. Lehi
The place where the event in Judges 15:14 occurs. The name "Lehi" means "jawbone," which is significant in the context of the account.

4. Spirit of the LORD
The divine presence and power that comes upon Samson, enabling him to perform mighty acts.

5. Ropes
The new ropes that bound Samson, which symbolize the Philistines' attempt to control and subdue him.

Teaching Points

Empowerment by the Spirit
Just as the Spirit of the LORD empowered Samson, believers today are empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's purposes. This empowerment is not for personal gain but for fulfilling God's will.

Breaking Free from Bondage
The ropes that bound Samson were broken by the power of the Spirit. Similarly, believers can trust in God's power to break the spiritual and emotional bonds that hold them captive.

God's Sovereignty in Weakness
Samson's account reminds us that God can use flawed individuals to achieve His purposes. Our weaknesses do not limit God's ability to work through us.

Faithfulness to God's Calling
Samson's life serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling and the consequences of straying from it.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the empowerment of the Spirit in Judges 15:14 compare to other instances in the Bible where individuals are empowered by the Holy Spirit?

2. In what ways can believers today experience the breaking of "ropes" or bondage in their lives through the power of the Holy Spirit?

3. What lessons can we learn from Samson's life about the importance of faithfulness to God's calling?

4. How does the account of Samson challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty and ability to use imperfect people for His purposes?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by God to accomplish something beyond your natural ability. How did that experience impact your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 13-16
The broader account of Samson's life, including his birth, exploits, and eventual downfall, provides context for understanding his character and actions.

1 Samuel 10:6
Similar to Samson, the Spirit of the LORD comes upon Saul, transforming him and enabling him to act with divine empowerment.

Acts 2:2-4
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering the apostles to speak in tongues and perform miracles, parallels the empowering of Samson by the Spirit of the LORD.